Sexual Diversity Through the Theory of Personality Psychology and Theravada Buddhist Philosophy

Kanyapak Magee, Phajon Kamchusang

Abstract

This research investigates the causes of gender diversity as appearing in Psychology Theory, and Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, in order to purpose an equilibrium adjustment approach. The study found that (1) Cause of gender diversity in psychological perspective reveals that humans have both femininity and masculinity in one person. Gender diversity is the result of childhood parenting and imitating gender roles from family and social environment. Environment is influential in shaping nature of femininity and masculinity according to society expectations (2) Cause of gender diversity in Buddhist philosophy perspective is found to be natural variety due to karma. Buddhist Philosophy does not focus on gender but mainly on action because people in all genders can do good deeds and attain dharma without exception (3) From the study and analysis of psychological equilibrium adjustment approach, the researcher has proposed Identity theory by Carl Rogers and Gender Role theory by Sandra Bem as guidelines for equilibrium adjustment by focusing on identity recognition, understanding oneself as expected to be, appropriate gender roles to current condition and desired sexual condition. This focuses on controlling external behavior. Buddhist Philosophy has gender diversity equilibrium process that emphasis on doing physical, verbal and mental action in accordance with ten wholesome actions principal with regard to person’s roles and duties on treating others appropriately regarding 6 directions principal. In addition, a person shall be aware of mental basis of their own before express in appropriate equilibrium behavior. This emphasis on mental or inner thoughts development prior to developing external behavior, so that internal behavior controls external behavior.